We all face dangers of one sort or another. We are broken people living with broken people in a broken world.
I read this tidbit about living through danger confirmed by recent research done at the University of Virginia. The information was in “Our Daily Bread” back in April of 2017. After meditating on this, my take is a bit different.
Researchers ran the test on dozens of pairs, and found consistent results. When a person was alone or holding a stranger’s hand while anticipating a shock, the regions of the brain that process danger lit up. But when holding the hand of a trusted person, the brain relaxed. The comfort of a friend’s presence made the pain seem more bearable.
You don’t have to be a Christian to know that life lived with an intimate friend or two goes better than live lived as a solo “Lone Wolf” In fact,
Christians know three things more. First, the Resurrection means that even when there is no one physically present, God sits beside us and holds us close. Second, danger is something we pass through on our life journey. It is never a destination. Third, by making use of the form of prayer called Meditation we can experience the Presence. Sometimes we cannot call that precious friend that lives next door. We can always find the one that lives within. For that reason we have a peace that most people notice but do not have for themselves. So remember when you have found the power of peace. Be willing to share with others who find our lives attractive but confusing.
In the face of danger we know the joy expressed in Gene_MacLellan‘s song, “Put your Hand in the Hand of the Man.”
When danger breaks in, I look for “the Hand.” God is Faithful.
